Sierra Bonita’s third grade classes had the privilege of spending time with Ryan Woodward. Ryan is a very talented local artist/animator who has worked on well-known movies such as Where the Wild Things Are, Ironman 2, Superman 2 & 3, and most recently The Avengers. He is currently working on a zombie commercial for Ford vehicles.

Growing up Ryan loved to draw. In fact, his report cards would frequently come home saying “Ryan does not pay attention because he draws too much.” His dad would lecture “Ryan, it is time to put your boyish dreams aside and become a man!” Meanwhile, his mother would whisper, “keep drawing Ryan.” Ryan followed his dreams and is an accomplished artist. However, having your dream job does have its setbacks. Ryan confesses that he spends many sleepless nights working because his passion for art, at times, consumes him.

Students were able to see how a movie storyboard is created from beginning to end. With high tech computer gadgets, Ryan showed them how he draws directly onto the computer screen with capabilities to erase and re-create. Sierra Bonita’s third grade students seem to have more fun watching Ryan create the images to The Avengers than actually watching the movie.